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Morning Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Two “Callings”Unlike our letter writing today, letters in New Testament times opened with the writers “signature” instead of waiting until the very end of the document. Paul introduces himself to the church at Corinth and then immediately mentions the fact that he has been “called” to be an apostle. Since Paul’s apostleship and authority was one of the main issues addressed in Paul’s second letter to this church, perhaps this introductory comment was used here to hopefully deal with some of the concerns that had to be dealt with in the second letter in great extent. We will see some hint to this issue when we come to chapter 9. Paul states that he is an apostle “by the will of God.” In other words, the work and ministry of Paul was not something of his own design and it had not begun simply because he had made a decision to do it. Paul was “called” to this particular walk in his Christian life.

In the same way, the Christians to whom he was writing had a “calling” on their lives also. He stated that they were called to be “saints” (KJV) or “holy” (NIV). This calling to be saints was not just to the believers in Corinth, but to all those everywhere who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Morning Prayer Emphasis:

Consider your own personal calling to live for Christ. Ask God to reveal his divine will for your life to you and then strive to accomplish that purpose in your life. Kingdom Policy Number One in God’s divine manual is: All believers are called to ministry!

Evening Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-19

Division While the opening verses of this letter contain a salutation and then an expression of appreciation, one of the main issues within the church at Corinth, division, is deal with immediately. Paul appealed to the “brothers” (meaning Christians) that they come to a sense of unity in what they believe and do. He appealed to them in the name of Jesus Christ. It is clear that Paul is urging these believers to surrender to the authority of Christ in church matters, because we see the name Christ 10 times in just the first 10 verses of this book! As a matter of fact, verse 5 is the only verse in the first 10 verses that does not contain this name. In the gospels, the name Christ usually appeared with the article “the” preceding it and was used in reference to Jesus being the anointed One – the Christ that was to come. In the letters of Paul this word was used without the article as another name for Jesus.

Someone from the household of Chloe had reported to Paul that there was division among the believers at Corinth. As a result, Paul appealed to individual believers to surrender to the authority of Christ. In doing so, any and all divisive issues could be quickly and completely resolved in a way that everyone could feel like they had “won.” It is clear (from Paul’s response to the groups that pledged allegiance to him, Apollos and Peter,) that Christians should pledge their allegiance to the One who had died for them on the cross! Kingdom Policy Number Two: Christ Jesus is the One and only spiritual authority figure for the New Testament church.

Evening Prayer Emphasis:

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Thank God for the gift of his Son and for the salvation that he brought to fallen man. Reaffirm your allegiance to him and encourage others to be faithful to look to him for the strength that is necessary to all who desire to

follow Christ on a day to day basis. Commit your life to his service and encourage your fellow believers to do the same.


The Wisdom of God

Today’s reading begins with questions. Paul wants to know how the wisdom of man compares to the wisdom of God. In placing too much faith in other men, no matter how noble and committed they might be, these early believers were making a fatal error and exercising poor judgment. Compared to the wisdom of God, the wisdom of even the wisest men seemed foolish.

Just as it did for the original Corinthian Christians who read this letter, verse 21 directs our attention from human wisdom to the wisdom of God. God’s wisdom allowed Paul to preach Christ crucified and to call people to open their hearts in faith and believe the gospel. He seems to be asking each listener to review their own spiritual qualifications and come to one conclusion: “No one can boast of anything but God’s wonderful love and grace that has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus.” In other words, no one is saved because of who they are or what they have done. All who receive salvation do so entirely

because of what he has done and who he is! It was Christ alone who manifested the wisdom of God and it was through Christ alone that believers can be made righteous before God.


Humble yourself before God as you walk through this day. Look at others around you and realize that the only difference in the life of the most

wretched, fallen person you see today and you is Christ! Praise him for your salvation! Let all of your glorying and boasting be in the Lord! Kingdom Policy Number Three: Only brag on Jesus!


The Futility of Human Wisdom

Paul wanted the Christians at Corinth to know one thing: He had not come to them trying to appear wise or scholarly. He came to them to share God’s truth with them and to do it in the simplest way possible. He had gone to great extremes to stick to the gospel – God’s simple plan of salvation – that being, the story of the crucified Christ. Paul’s preaching was not with wise and persuasive words. He did not rely on catchy presentations or emotional appeals to call people to accept Christ as Savior and then follow him as Lord. He relied on the Holy Spirit of God to draw people to Jesus as he lifted him up before them, “in weakness and fear, and with much trembling,” through his messages on the cross. This was all done to help Paul’s readers understand that he depended entirely on the Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ to enable and empower him to preach the gospel to people.

Paul spoke of those who were “perfect” (KJV) or “mature” (NIV) and stated that he did have a deeper message for those who were growing in the faith and knowledge of Jesus.

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But, even then, the message was not one filled with the wisdom of this world. Such wisdom was beyond any that the eyes of men had ever seen or the ears of men had ever heard. No human mind could have possibly conceived the story of Christ and the cross because the cross was a despised object among the people of New Testament times. Only God himself could possibly draw anyone to salvation through the story of the cross and crucifixion.


Refuse to try to add anything to what God has already so clearly stated through the sacrifice of his one and only Son, Jesus. Avoid trying to appear wise or spiritual to anyone. Lift Jesus up and he will draw all men unto himself. Kingdom Policy Number Four: Just tell them about Jesus!

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Morning Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:11 – 3:4

It Just Makes SensePaul reminds his readers that no one possesses the ability to know another man’s thoughts. In the same way, no one can better understand what God is trying to say to us than the Spirit of God himself! It is through the leadership and direction of God’s Spirit that we learn how to be saved and how to be servants after we are saved. Since the walk and warfare of the believer is a spiritual matter, people who are not indwelt and led by the Spirit of God might consider some of what a believer is called to do to be foolish simply because they cannot understand why we would make such a commitment to someone who lived and died 2,000 years ago. Since we have the mind of Christ to lead us, we may often appear to be walking in opposition to what the world may consider wise, profitable and productive.

Paul concludes that believers who look to man, and man’s wisdom, as their final spiritual authority are worldly, immature believers who are still in need of spiritual milk instead of solid food. It wasn’t that they did not need solid teaching, but that they were not ready for it. Division within the church is to be considered as being worldly and as if we were “mere men” rather than a people who have submitted our lives to Jesus Christ and his authority. Kingdom Policy Number Five: Remember Kingdom Policy Number Two! (Christ Jesus is the One and only spiritual authority figure for the New Testament church.)


Commit to daily Bible reading and prayer. Ask God to grow your faith and your involvement in the work of the church. Seek out a position of service and be faithful to fulfill it. Make Jesus Christ more than your Savior – make him Lord of everything!


Means vs. CausePaul wanted all believers to understand that people like Apollos and him were simply a means used by God to draw people to him. The cause was God and God alone! He and Apollos, like others before them, were only servants who had performed their assigned tasks given to them by the Lord. Paul may have planted – and Apollos may have watered, but only God could make it grow! He desperately wanted the believers at Corinth to understand that God could have used anyone to do what he had done! He does remind his readers that what we do for the Lord is important, because we will all be rewarded according to our own faithfulness to what we have been “called” to do. But, we are to never lose sight of the fact that all servants of God are merely servants and that, without the grace of God, we could accomplish nothing! Christ is the one and only foundation for the church and we are called to build on that one and only foundation. What we do with our time and talents is important. Works that are done for God’s glory are likened to precious materials that can stand the test of fire while those that are done to be seen of men are compared to things that can be easily destroyed and totally lost. Paul is reminding us that any good that we can possibly do is the good that is done through us by the power of Christ! Kingdom Policy Number Six: The only irreplaceable person in the work of the church is God himself!


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See yourself as a tool in the hand of God. Submit yourself to him and allow him to use you in ways that will mean much to you as you transition from this life to the one that will be spent with him for eternity. Seek to do things that are permanent and make eternal differences in the lives around you. Thank him for allowing you to be involved in his great redemption plan!

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Love Those “3:16s”!While I know that it is purely coincidental, I find that some of the most powerful words in the Bible are found in the “3:16” references. The letter of 1 Corinthians serves as just another great example of this fact. This “3:16” includes the first of the ten “Know you not” (KJV) or “Don’t you know” (NIV) phrases included in this letter. Later on, in 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul will speak of each and every believer being a temple of the Holy Spirit. However, in this verse, Paul is speaking to the church as a whole. The “you” in that verse is plural in the original language while the “temple” is singular. What Paul is saying to the believers here is that we, being many, make up one body of Christ. Since the issue being addressed at this moment is division, then, in context, this verse should be viewed in the light of the subject and used to promote unity in the body of Christ. For the purposes of Christ to be fulfilled in the church, then all of the individual parts must become one in their commitment for men to see Christ and Christ alone. When we fail to maintain Christian unity, we “destroy” (NIV) or “defile” (KJV) the temple of God. When men view our lives it is important that they see that we are faithful in our commitment to place Christ and his purposes above our own will and desires. Kingdom Policy Number Seven: The way to be united as a people is to be united in our purpose!


Consider your church life and ask God to show you how committed you are to the desires of the church body as a whole. Ask yourself if you are in this for what you can give or only for what you can get. Pray for our church today, specifically asking him to give us unity in purpose.


PrideThe people of Corinth were Greeks – and Greeks, at least in New Testament times – considered humility to be a sign of weakness and not a trait common among great and learned men. Paul concludes this section on division with a reminder that all true, Christian behavior must be measured against the “motives” (NIV) or “counsels” (KJV) of our hearts. If anyone who ministers desires praise, then that person should patiently wait until the end of his race and seek only to be praised by the Lord (v. 5.) If the believers at Corinth would see their own, personal ministries as Paul and Apollos saw theirs, then each one would know that we are all mere servants of Christ and that Christ is the only one who should be praised at any time and for any reason! Verse 6 clearly indicates that there is no justifiable reason for any one believer to be “puffed up” (KJV) or to “take pride” (NIV) in themselves over others. Paul desired that these good church folk might “learn” from the examples that he, Apollos, and others had set for them. The word “learn” in verse 6 means “to practice what you are taught” and is very closely related to the word that is translated “disciple” elsewhere in the Bible. The kind of “pride” that Paul is warning against is the kind of pride that causes people to compare themselves to others and judge themselves against what they see in others. Kingdom Policy Number Eight: Never allow pride to lead to division!


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Submit to Christ and his purposes first and foremost in your life. Compare yourself to no one but Christ and humility will always come easy to you. Don’t allow any seed of selfishness to flourish in your own heart and life and trust others to do the same. Test your own heart against selfish motives before speaking or reacting to what someone else has said or done.

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Morning Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:14 – 21

A Stern WarningPaul’s true desire was to help all believers to be everything that God wanted them to be. Because he loved the Christians at Corinth as a father might love his own children, he issued a stern warning in order to try to bring about a change in some of the attitudes and behaviors among them. He knew that not all of the Christians there would respond positively to his appeal. He knew that some had become “arrogant” (NIV) and “puffed up” (KJV) and these individuals were probably the ones who were causing the division in the church. Paul knew that a father who truly loves his children must be willing to discipline them when that is the appropriate thing to do. He was going to leave it up to them. Did they desire that he come to them with a “rod” (KJV) or “whip” (NIV) or with a loving and gentle spirit? How they behaved as spiritual children was going to determine how he was going to behave as a spiritual father.


Avoid God’s chastening by heeding God’s commands! Remember that God promises to chasten those whom he loves – and that the chastening hand of God against a sinning believer is a sure sign that we are truly God’s children! As a parent, use discipline wisely and never without warning. Kingdom Policy Number Nine: Remember that God chastens those whom he loves!


Unimaginable!Thus far, Paul has had to deal only with the problem of spiritual division in the church. He now has to change the subject and begin to deal with spiritual disorder within the church. A second major concern in the report received on the new church at Corinth centered in their failure to deal with a sin issue within the membership. Pride is a dangerous thing because it is the opposite of love in the sense that it promotes self over others. The same pride that had caused disunity among the church membership had also caused an indifference to a very bad situation. A member of the church was having an affair with “his father’s wife.” The language there clearly indicates that this was an affair with a step-mother. This kind of relationship was clearly prohibited by Old Testament law (Lev. 18:8 and Deut. 22:22) and was a violation of Roman law in that day. This situation did not seem to shame at least some of the church members at all! It was difficult for Paul to understand how these people could be filled with so much pride while something like this was commonly known to be going on within their church. He encouraged the church to take disciplinary action against this believer if there was no remorse or repentance. Verse 9 seems to indicate that there was an earlier letter written by Paul to this same group of believers. In that letter he had warned them not to associate with sexually immoral people whether unsaved or, especially, saved. His recommendation? Expel the sinning brother from the fellowship. Just like the Jewish people swept their homes clear of any “yeast” (NIV) or “leaven” (KJV) prior to preparing their Passover meal, they were to be very careful to avoid associating with anything that was such a blatant violation of God’s principles. Kingdom Policy Number Ten: Do not make excuses or allowances for disorderly conduct.

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Kingdom Policies may sometimes seem harsh, but they are always in the best interest of the church. We should judge ourselves by comparing our own lives to God and his Word on a regular, daily basis. In doing so, we will certainly avoid having to be judged by others.

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Lawsuits among BelieversA third concern in the report brought to Paul was the inability of the believers at Corinth to resolve personal conflicts and disputes among themselves. It should be made clear that Paul was referring to civil matters here and not criminal matters that should be handled by the state and not the church. The fact that Paul is referring to civil matters here is understood from the words “wronged” and “cheated” (NIV) and “defrauded” (KJV) in verse 7. (This is part of our rendering to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is God’s (Matthew 22:21). Paul reminded these Christians that they were to ultimately judge the world. How could a people that God deemed capable of someday judging the world not be capable of judging such civil matters among themselves without having to drag one another to court? Paul asked these prideful, arrogant people if it was possible that there was not a single person among them that was able to judge disputes among fellow Christians. Instead of settling their personal differences as Christians, the Corinthian believers were obviously going to law against one another while the unbelieving world watched them doing it. Please understand that this does not grant permission for the church to deal with criminal matters and not report criminal activity to the proper authorities. Whether one Christian decides to forgive the other or not, matters such as molestation should be reported and recorded for the safety of others. Kingdom Policy Number Eleven: Work out personal, civil matters within the church and report criminal behavior to proper authorities.


Kingdom Policy would never allow us to violate the law. Failure to report a criminal act is wrong. Pray daily for all of our people that work with children in our church. Make time to express love and appreciation to one of them today.


Abusing Our Christian LibertyAt some time in the past, some of the believers in Corinth had been guilty of the sins listed earlier in verses 9 and 10. However, things were to be different in their moral lives now that they had been saved. However, some must have been clinging to their right to “Christian liberty” and slow to let go of some of the deeds of their past. Paul was quick to remind them that inappropriate behaviors exercised under the umbrella of liberty could lead to activities that were spiritually allowable but not spiritually beneficial (v. 12). Christians are not to partake in things that are not spiritually beneficial. And, certainly, sexually immorality is not beneficial in any way. There is no excuse for believers to behave in such ways. We are to be uniting ourselves with the Lord and becoming one with him rather than becoming one with the world. Paul states that sexual sin is a sin against our own body. It is here, in verse 19, that we see that our physical body is the abode, or temple, of the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit actually dwells within us, and since our lives are not our own, but have been “bought with a price,” we are to honor God in our body. Peter will later tell us that the “price” with which we were “bought” was nothing less than “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19). Kingdom Policy Number Twelve: “Flee from sexual immorality” (v. 18).


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Remember the story of Joseph running away when another man’s wife enticed him to commit an immoral act with her. Ask God to give you the wisdom to know when to fight and when to flee. There is no shame in running away from any situation that would bring division to the church and dishonor to the name of Christ.


Some Difficult QuestionsPaul now moves from his discussions on division and disorderly conduct to some difficult questions that some within the church had obviously asked of him. One of those questions had, most likely, been about whether or not Christians should marry. We will deal with Paul’s response to this question in the next few devotionals. Paul concludes that it is a good thing if a “man” can live without being married. It is important to note that the word translated “man” in 7:1 is the Greek word “anthropos” and can mean a “person” of either sex. However, his inclusion of the word “woman” in the same verse gives us a strong indication that we have some “man to man” talk going on here! What Paul actually states is that it was a good and admirable thing if a person could live single and not sin. However, since that was not the case with most people, even Christians, then it was best that believers be in a committed, marital relationship. In the fulfillment of their marriage relationship, the man and woman are able to better live without giving in to sexual immorality. The world would have us believe that sexual immorality is a very normal thing; however, we know that it is not a “normal” thing at all for a believer. Marriage partners should avoid depriving one another unless it is for a specified time of fasting and prayer. Obviously, verse 8 reveals that Paul was not married. Since Paul had been affiliated with the Pharisees, and since marriage was a requirement for membership into that sect, we have to assume that Paul was either a widower or divorced.


Kingdom Policies may seem stringent, but they are always written for our best interest and benefit. Kingdom Policy Number Thirteen: Sexual relationships are restricted to a legally married man and woman.


Marriage and DivorceIt is very clear from these verses that God’s best plan is that married people learn to live with one another and that divorce should be avoided whenever possible. We are not to assume that God loves a divorced person any less than he loves someone who has never been divorced. We should also avoid concluding that divorced people are not eligible for service or qualified to do great things for God and his glory. Paul clearly states that what he is about to teach is something that he received from the Lord. In this morning’s reading he basically said, “If you aren’t married, and you can be that way without strong temptation to commit sexual immorality, stay unmarried.” In tonight’s verses, he basically says that, if you are married, then do everything within your power to stay married. If an unbelieving person leaves their spouse simply because they are a believer, then the believing person is not bound to try to force that person to remain married to them. However, if a believer can live in peace with an unbeliever, then the marriage vow should be honored, period. It is a hard truth, but it is truth nonetheless. Every Christian couple should do everything possible to build a strong, healthy marriage. Running from one

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situation to another may just mean that you are simply carrying your same baggage to a new address and relationship. If you have been divorced and are now remarried, then be fully committed to this marriage and do everything within your power to make it a success.


Remember that God has no perfect children! Praise God for your marital partner and pray for them daily. Do everything within your power to make them feel loved and appreciated. Kingdom Policy Number Fourteen: Honor your marriage vows!

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Morning Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:21-31A Secret to Success in Marriage

Snuggled in these next verses that contain part of Paul’s response to the questions that the Corinthian believers had asked about marriage is a very important truth for success in any relationship, whether fraternal, social, vocational or marital. In verses 21 – 23 Paul explains that the believer, who has been bought with a price, is now a servant of the Lord as well as a servant to any current master. As such, the saved servant should no longer view his service as being to his earthly master alone, but to his heavenly Master as well. As such, when we serve others, we should serve them as if we are doing that service to Christ. As such, when we consider our marital relationship, and the responsibilities thereof, we should view our commitment to that relationship as a service to Jesus Christ. The key to a strong marital relationship is submitting and serving one another – honoring the Lord with our commitment to one another.

It is not difficult to see the urgency in Paul’s words when he states, “The time is short” (v. 29). Paul was encouraging these believers to make their devotion to the Lord the first priority in their lives. When they did that, all other relationships would fall into place. Kingdom Policy Number Fifteen: It is impossible to be fully committed to Christ and not be committed to our marriage and other earthly relationships.


Allow no relationship or responsibility to become more important than your relationship with Christ. Be obedient to the Lord and all other relationships and responsibilities in your life will benefit from it. Serve him and you will learn how to serve others.


Undivided Devotion

One of the reasons that Paul had chosen to remain unmarried was so that he could serve the Lord with an undivided devotion. Speaking to those who desired to serve Jesus, Paul stated that he would prefer that they be “without carefulness” (KJV) or “free from concern” (NIV). He went on to explain that an unmarried man could be completely devoted to the Lord’s work while a married person had to serve the Lord while being careful to not neglect any marital responsibilities. As a result, Paul felt that the married man might have “his interests divided” (v. 34, NIV). It was no different for women. The unmarried woman could be totally devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit while the married woman, as a result of her marriage commitment, had to take into consideration her earthly responsibilities and find a way to serve both the Lord and her family.

Paul encouraged those who lost a spouse to consider staying single and suggested that they might be “happier” if they decided not to remarry. But, they were free to remarry if they so desired. However, they were to be careful to marry someone who “belonged to the Lord.” As such, it would be easier to serve God without conflict or an undivided devotion.


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Be committed to Christ, whether single or married. Seek to serve the Lord with your spouse. Make your commitment to Christ a central point in your marital relationship. Kingdom Policy Number Sixteen: Whether married or single, serve the Lord with an undivided devotion.

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The Second QuestionThe first word of chapter 8, (“Now,”) lets us know that Paul has said what he is going to say about marriage and he is ready to move on to the next question. Another matter of concern to the believers at Corinth was about eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Meats that had been offered to pagan gods were often eaten by the priests, shared in a fellowship meal by the pagan worshippers, or sold in the market. Some Christians believed that eating this meat meant that they were condoning, or maybe even participating, in the worship of idols. Not all believers agreed with that opinion. They believed that, since an idol was nothing, and there was only one true God, then meats offered to idols were just cooked on a fancier grill! As such, these affordable delicacies could be purchased and eaten without anyone coming to any spiritual harm.

Paul agreed, but asked the believers to be considerate of new, immature believers who might not have come to this knowledge and to be careful not to eat these meats if it caused confusion. They were to especially avoid eating these meats in the pagan temple itself since that might cause others to think that they were participating in idol worship.


Always be considerate of new Christians and seek to live in such a way to be an encouraging witness to them. Kingdom Policy Number Seventeen: Exercise your Christian liberties cautiously and with concern for others.

Evening Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:1-8 Privilege vs. Priority

Paul begins the next section of his letter with a long list of questions concerning privileges. Both the KJV and the NIV include 12 questions in the first 8 verses of chapter 9. Paul is following up on his comments about Christian liberty and using Barnabas and himself as an example. He mentions several things that servants to the church might be allowed to do. Paul believed that it would be fine if he were to marry. After all, Peter, and the Lord’s brothers, were married and still in ministry. He also believed that it would be appropriate for him and Barnabas to accept financial support from the churches. After all, didn’t soldiers receive pay for their commitment to their nation? And didn’t farmers have the privilege of eating from the fruit of their gardens and vineyards? Couldn’t a shepherd rightfully have some of the milk produced by his flock? Paul considered all of these things privileges which men like he and Barnabas could appropriately accept. But, for Paul, and others like him, it was not just a matter of what could be done as much as it was a matter of what should be done.

Accepting such privileges should be allowed with priority given to the work of the church and the cause of Christ. We should never allow ourselves to indulge in any privilege that makes the work of the ministry a lower priority in our lives. Weigh every “right” to make sure that it is the “right” thing to do at the current time and in the current situation.


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Evaluate your schedule to see if you are placing privileges above priorities. Kingdom Policy Number Eighteen: Keep God, and your responsibilities to him, first and foremost in your life.


The Right Answers!Almost every translation of the New Testament begins verse 9 with “For it is written in the law of Moses.” As it is with all of life’s questions, the answer to the questions about Christian liberty is found in the Word of God! We can choose to seek answers to all of the questions about what a Christian can do from men and we will find ourselves torn between several opinions with all of them seeming to sound right. Or, we, like many, can choose to take a poll of counselors until we find someone who says exactly what we want to hear. However, the issue of Christian liberty must always come down to what God says to you from his Word. When it comes to issues of liberty, we should be careful not to impose our personal convictions on others. However, neither should we allow others to impose their spiritual preferences on us.

Paul had the right to do whatever any of the other apostles were doing, if, and only if, it was something that God was directing him to do. Our Christian rights never supersede God’s right to ask us to do anything that he may desire. If God wants us to refrain from eating meats, taking salaries, marrying a wife, or anything else, then we should be faithful to whatever God tells us. The right answer is to always do what allows us to reach more

people for Christ.


Avoid accepting what others do (or do not do) as what is right (or not right) for everyone. Allow God to lead and grow you as you spend time with him in his Word. Kingdom Policy Number Nineteen: Preferences and privileges are subject to opinion but convictions must be based on God’s Word.


The Ultimate GoalWhy should a believer be so concerned about what others might see and think? Paul answers that question in the first verse of our evening reading. We are to be concerned about what everyone thinks about us because we want to change what everyone thinks about Christ. The ultimate goal of every Christian should be to lead others to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. If that means that we compromise on some of our preferences and sacrifice some privileges along the way, so be it. Although Paul knew that he was no longer under the law, he honored the law and attended synagogue worship so that he might have more opportunities to win his fellow Jews to Christ. He did not force Judaism on his Gentile listeners, but simply preached salvation through Christ to them. Paul was willing to do whatever he could do without compromising God’s commands if it would help him win someone to a saving knowledge of Christ. All of his decisions about preferences and privileges were based on what would allow him more opportunities to preach the gospel.

When he spoke of running a race, he was speaking in terms with which any Greek would understand. They were familiar with races and crowns. They honored their sports heroes

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and champions and held them in the highest esteem. Paul is trying to help them to understand that winning others to Christ is to be the ultimate goal for all believers.


Never lose sight of the ultimate goal! Remember that Christ came to seek and to save those who were lost and that he has now given that great responsibility to the church. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty: Remember to keep the main thing (preaching Christ) the main thing.

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Don’t Be All Tied Up In “Nots”Paul has been answering questions about Christian liberty and specifically dealing with some issues (like eating meats that had been offered to idols) that had become a cause for some of the division in the church at Corinth. Obviously, some felt free to eat the leftover offerings from pagan temples and others felt that it was a wrong thing for a Christian to do. Anytime that one Christian tries to impose a personal preference on another Christian, an opportunity for division is created. Some believe very strongly about some things for which there is no specific chapter and verse in the Bible. In those cases, we should honor our personal beliefs about such things without trying to impose them on others. However, where there is a Scriptural precedent, then it should apply to all believers. Period!

Since the Corinthian believers were so concerned about what they could or could not do, Paul decided to give them a short list of things that they definitely should not do! They should not be ignorant of Bible history and the ways that God has dealt with his people in the past (10:1). They should not be idolaters or be involved in pagan activities (10:7). They should not commit sexual immorality (10:8). They should not test the Lord’s patience as Israel had done in the past (10:9). And, just as it clearly states in 10:10, they should not “murmur” (KJV) or “grumble” (NIV). All of these issues had a Scriptural precedent and were, therefore, applicable to all of the Corinthian believers.


Base your personal life on Scriptural certainties and there will be no confusion as to what you should and should not do. Listen and obey God in all matters. Search out biblical answers to all of your spiritual questions. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-One: Don’t get all tied up in “nots” that are “not” Scripturally based.


Be Careful!We should learn from what we read about those who attempted to follow God in the past. God had a very good reason for recording everything that is given to us in the Bible. It is our responsibility to seek out those reasons and apply the things that we learn to our daily life. We are urged to “take heed” (KJV) or to “be careful” (NIV) so that we can avoid falling into the same traps and temptations as our spiritual ancestors. It is best to remember that there is no temptation out there that has not been faced before. Anything that anyone in Bible history ever did to dishonor God could find its way into our lives. However, God is faithful to us, in that, although he will allow us to be tempted, he will not allow us to be tempted beyond that which we can bear and he will faithfully show us a way to avoid sinning when we are tempted.

How does he show us those ways to escape falling into temptations snares? One of those ways is through the lives of those who walked with him in the past. We can all learn from Joseph’s story and how he ran away from the temptations presented by the wife of his master and we can learn from the sad story of David, a good man who fell into a very dark situation that caused such an evil impact on the lives of many people.


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Read from your Bible daily and apply what you read to your personal life. Learn from the stories that God has carefully recorded for us. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Two: It is best that we read, and heed, the lessons that God has provided for us in the Bible.

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The Final AnswerIt may seem that Paul has talked a long time while trying to answer the question about eating meats offered to idols, but he has used this question to address the much broader issue of Christian liberty and has dealt with other issues along the way. Paul’s final answer sounds much like what Jesus said when he stated that a Christian could not serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). Paul clearly states that a Christian, “cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons, too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s Table and the table of demons.”

So, even if some things are “lawful” (KJV) or “permissible” (NIV) for a believer, it is always best to choose to do what is most beneficial to the church body as a whole. As Christians, we should be thinking more about what will best help us to build the body of Christ and make it stronger. We must learn that our personal freedoms should not become a hindrance to others. So, Paul’s final answer is that we should be careful to avoid doing things that may hinder the spiritual growth of others, while avoiding becoming too legalistic in our thinking just so that we might appease the personal preferences of others. It is not always going to be easy, but we all have the Holy Spirit to help us to make the right decisions along the way.


Be considerate of others. Seek to be a good witness in all things and at all times. Realize that there will always be those who will be judgmental and critical of us no

matter how we try. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Three: When it comes to personal preferences, always seek a path that is marked by biblical precedence and that will best benefit the cause of Christ and his church.

Evening Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:7

All for the Glory of GodPaul’s “Final Answer” that we read about this morning was based on three principles that are clearly defined in the last three verses of chapter 10. Whatever decisions we make about what we eat or drink, we should make that decision with the glory of God in mind. In other words, do what you do for the glory of God alone and not to follow some other person or to seek glory for yourself. He then stated that he tried to please others as much as possible and that he tried very hard not to be a cause for someone else to stumble. He then stated that he based his decisions about preferences on what was good for others more than on what was good for him. So, the principle is this: “God and his glory is the first consideration in all of our decisions, what is in the best interest and is most edifying to others is second, and we come last.”

It sure sounds a lot like what Jesus said when he told us to, “Love the Lord our God with all of our heart . . . and to love our neighbor as ourselves.” Paul urged the believers at Corinth to follow his example since he was following the example of Christ. He then praised the Corinthian Christians for holding fast to the teachings that he had passed on to them. His comments on prayer reemphasized the fact that whatever the believer does, whether in public life or in private prayer, God’s glory is to be the strongest consideration.


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Practice putting God first, others second, and self last. Memorize the “Great Commandments” and make them a priority every day. We are never more like Christ than when we are humbly putting God first and others second. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Four: Obey the Great Commandments to love God with all of your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself.


Public Worship & Private LivesIn last night’s verses, we read where, at least at that time, a man was to pray with his head uncovered while a woman was to pray with her head covered. In complying with these simple rules, believers showed their submission to God and God’s plan for authority in relationships. Paul continues this line of reasoning by saying that man (meaning Adam) was not created from woman (meaning Eve) but that woman was created from man. Every man since Adam has been created from a woman. In this sense, we should understand that God did not create man and woman to operate independent of each other. Both are to work and worship together in such a way that brings glory to God. But submission was not just something that should be exhibited in public worship. If it was not something that was carried home from church with them, then the humility and submission that was exhibited in the public worship and prayer services was nothing more than those public prayers and offerings made by the Pharisees when they desired to appear to be spiritual in the eyes of anyone who might see or hear them.

Christians should be as humble and submissive to God’s authority in their private lives as they are at public worship. Again, this all ties back to freedom. In verse 16 Paul clearly states that this is not to become a point of contention within the church.


Submit your life to God, whether you are at public worship or in the privacy of your home. Show genuine humility in all of your life roles – especially in the role that you are called to fulfill at home and with your family. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Five: Be submissive to God’s authority program in private as well as in public.


The Lord’s SupperWhen our private, personal lives are not fully committed to the Lord, it will soon begin to manifest itself in our public worship. In the case of the Corinthian Christians, one of the ways that it was being manifested was in the way that they were abusing the Lord’s Supper. They had turned what was intended to be a very private and personal memorial for believers into a public feast that drew large crowds – with many people coming for the physical food more than the spiritual blessing. Because of the way that these believers were observing the Lord’s Supper, Paul felt that they were actually doing more harm than good when they served it. This proved to be yet another cause for division among the believers. In an observance that was to show forth unity – they had division. In a supper that was to show forth humility – they were serving themselves first and leaving others with nothing while some were even partaking of the wine in excess.

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To partake of this supper in an unworthy manner meant to do it in such a way that did not memorialize the suffering of Christ and to honor his great gift of salvation. By turning this supper into a public feast, they were dishonoring the Lord and they

were certainly not using it as a living witness of what he had accomplished for them on the cross.


Refuse to lose your intimacy with God. Protect your spiritual life by carefully observing the way you go about the things that you do for God. Live in such a way that your entire life will be a living witness of what God has done in your heart. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Six: Be what you should be in your personal time with God and you will be what you should be in public worship.


Self-ExaminationThe only way to correct the division and disorder in the Church at Corinth was for each individual to examine his or her own life and make the necessary change in their own attitude and actions. Each person (the word “man” in the original is the word that refers to man as a species and, therefore, means any person, whether male or female) was to examine (test or prove) himself before partaking of the Lord’s Supper. This was to be done every time that the supper was served. This allowed this special service to be a remembrance of Christ and his supreme sacrifice and a reminder to all believers that we

should be willing to live sacrificial lives also. The Lord’s Supper was not a time for self-indulgence – but, rather, it was a time for self-examination. The bigger picture of “Christian liberty” needs to be remembered as we continue to study this book. Thus far, we have seen that the pursuit of personal liberties and preferences among the believers has led to disunity, division and disorder. As such, the church, when operating as multiple, individual units, had become dysfunctional.

The word “now” in 12:1 is an indicator that Paul is moving on to the next question. Ultimately, the answer to this next question will prove to be the answer to almost all of the issues in the church. One thing was sure; God’s Spirit was to be the cure and not the cause for confusion and division in the church.


Take a hard look into your own heart and see if there are any selfish motivations behind your service in the church. Examine your ministry efforts to see if they are church-centered and not self-centered. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Seven: Allow the observance of the Lord’s Supper to be a reminder to check the motivations of your heart and service.


Unity in DiversityWe see the word “diversities” (KJV) or “different” three times in 1 Corinthians 12:4–6. It is very interesting that those verses also have the word “same” in each of them. The word “different” was used to describe the gifts that were bestowed upon individuals in the church while the word “same” was used to describe the God from whom they were received. “Different” was about the various services that Christians could provide for one

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another while “same” was about the source that enabled the believers to serve each other in a supernatural way. It is obvious that the desires of the flesh had led to selfish ambitions in the church at Corinth and selfish ambition had led to disunity. Since the gifts were given to allow all of the members to be strengthened by the ministry of the individual members, then the church would find unity in their diversity.

Nine specific gifts are mentioned in verses 7-10, with each one serving to make the entire church body stronger as a whole. The gifts were selected and distributed by the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and circle the word “one” every time you find it in verses 11-13. Only God could take different people and use them in different ways to bring the church to a place of being one in him!


Live to benefit the body as a whole and not just yourself and your individual needs. Consider the needs of the church as a whole when you make decisions about service. Seek to discover your personal, spiritual gift and to employ it in service to the Lord and his church. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Eight: God brings unity to the church by empowering and enabling individual believers to serve him in different ways.

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Mutual DependenceJust like the human body is not made up of one part, but many, so the church is made up of many individuals who serve as a part of one, complete body for Christ. No individual part of the body should ever consider itself to be superior or inferior to any other. Each part of the body has a mutual dependence upon the other parts. Verse 18 tells us that God, himself, “set” (KJV) or “arranged” (NIV) the different parts as it “pleased him” (KJV) or “just as he wanted them to be” (NIV). Just as the human body is no accidental result of some haphazard action or event in the past, so it is with God’s spiritual body, the church. There is a “divine design” in the way that the church is put together. Through that design, the church is enabled to pursue and accomplish a divine purpose when we work together for the Lord.

No one part of the body should think that it can operate independently or separately from the others. If any part of the body is severed from the whole, the severed part will soon die and the body will suffer a great loss of ability or mobility. Without all of the parts being fully functional, the church itself cannot be fully functional. We all need each other if we are going to succeed in our divine mission.


Value the ministries of others. Express appreciation to someone who serves in a different ministry than yours today. Pray for all of our church volunteers and workers on a regular basis. Kingdom Policy Number Twenty-Nine: We should never think that we can fully accomplish God’s will alone or separate from a local church body.


“Honor” The word translated “honor” in verse 24 is a word that means “value” or “price” and is translated that way in other places in the New Testament. By putting all of the different “parts” of the body together, and making them mutually dependent upon one another, God has created a ministry plan that gives value to every member of the church. As such, there are not big or little jobs in God’s church! Every member is vitally important to the overall ministry. Verse 25 clearly states that there should be no division in the body because each part of the body should have an equal concern one for the other. The unifying head of the body is Christ. Verse 28 says that God “set” (KJV) or “appointed” (NIV) or, literally, assigned different people to different roles of service and equipped them to serve in those capacities. Can all serve in the same ways? How awkward would it be if everyone in the church decided to preach a sermon in next Sunday’s worship service? How confusing would it be if everyone decided to “lead” in prayer at the same time? How much harmony would we have if everyone decided to present their own special music of their choosing at the same time?

When we realize that none of the individual parts of the body could be functional without the full participation and support of the others, we learn that all believers bring great value to the church.


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Value your Christian friends and fellow church members. Support them in their efforts to serve the Lord. Respect their role and the service that they provide to the church. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty: Every believer has the potential, and the responsibility, to bring great value to the church.

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The Unifying IngredientSome scholars think that the words of the 13th chapter were composed separately from the rest of the letter and then inserted here, almost like the words of a song or poem might be inserted into a sermon. Whether it was composed prior to or at the same time as the rest of the letter, it is still, no doubt, divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. Paul is emphasizing that all of the spiritual gifts mentioned earlier are to be exercised in, and empowered by, the love of God. Without love, all of our efforts will just sound like a loud noise that gains the attention of people for a moment and then is soon forgotten. This is a beautiful section of Scripture that accomplishes several important things: 1) it helps us to understand what love is (v. 4), 2) it helps us to understand what love is not (v. 5), 3) it helps us to understand some of the things that love does and does not do (v. 6), 4) it reveals some things that love always does (v. 7), and 5) it includes one thing that love never does (“fail” v. 8). All of this might not be as clear to the church as it would be later when their understanding would be enlightened and expanded. Corinth was famous for its production of bronze mirrors. However, although they were functional, and served their purpose, the image that they displayed was far from perfect. Paul wanted these believers to understand that the love that they expressed while attempting to serve the Lord would help to cover their personal and spiritual imperfections.


Seek to serve in love. Let love be your one, true motivation for service to Christ in the church. Express love to others, especially to those in your family. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-One: Love is the only true motivation and empowering force for any Christian act or service.


“Follow”The word translated “follow” in verse 1 means to pursue, to run after, or to seek something diligently. Paul is here encouraging the Corinthian believers to forsake the pursuit of their personal preferences and selfish ambitions and to pursue love. At the same time, he told them that they should “desire” spiritual gifts. This is the same word that is translated “covet” (KJV) in 1 Corinthians 12:31. Both of these words imply that the believer is to show some initiative in their pursuit of serving God in love and spiritual giftedness. The last part of verse 1 places a special emphasis on the gift of prophecy.

The emphasis on tongues in verses 2-10 is a clear indicator that the members of the church at Corinth had placed a special emphasis on that gift and that the gift was being used by so many that no one was able to benefit from the confusion that it was causing in the services. “Everyone” who exercised their gift of prophecy, however, was said to benefit the church by strengthening, encouraging, and comforting its members while speaking in tongues seemed to be more for self-edification. Paul was not commanding them not to speak in tongues. He was, though, teaching them that public worship was for the edification of the body as a whole and not for the showcasing of individual gifts. The fact that Paul uses the word translated “tongues” 21 times in 1 Corinthians and only 3 other times in the remainder of his letters is a pretty good indication that there was some abuse of this area of gifting within this church.


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Seek to use your spiritual gift in such a way that the entire church can be strengthened, encouraged and comforted. Ask God to help you discover and develop your personal, spiritual gift. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Two: Believers are to show some personal initiative in the area of spiritual giftedness.

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“Voices”The word translated “voice” (KJV) or “languages” (NIV) in verse 10 is the same word that was used to describe the sound of a pipe or harp in verse 7 and of a trumpet in verse 8. In each of those cases, it was stressed that the sound made by these instruments should be clearly distinguishable. Human sounds (words) needed to be clearly distinguishable as well if the church was to understand their meaning and learn from their use. Without interpretation, tongues could be like having someone stand up and speak in a foreign language that no one understood. This kind of church experience could easily lead to frustration for the speaker and the listeners. Just like the “sound” (KJV) or “call” (NIV) of the trumpet (as referred to back in verse 8) was to solicit a certain action or reaction from an army standing ready to do battle, so the words spoken in a public worship service should be clearly spoken and presented in such a way that every soldier/saint knows what they are being asked to do.

Paul emphasized the value of prophecy over tongues by saying that he “would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (v. 19).


Notice that Paul emphasized the importance of instructing others over personal gratification. Seek to be as unselfish as possible in your every activity. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Three: We are to minister and speak in such a way that everyone will understand what they are being asked to do for God.


A Sign for Unbelievers

Verse 22 of tonight’s reading clearly states God’s intention for the use of tongues. “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers” (NIV). The word translated “sign” here is translated “miracle” in other places in the New Testament. The Day of Pentecost was a perfect example of how tongues could be used to gain the attention of unbelievers and have them hear the gospel message in a clear and distinctive manner. The fact that the various people heard foreigners speaking in their own languages caused them to stop and listen. It was a “sign” to them that something supernatural was taking place. Believers, Paul argued, would benefit more from prophecy. Verse 26 clearly indicates that people with different gifts were allowed to exercise their gifts in church services. However, all exercising of spiritual gifts had to be done in such a way that the entire body was strengthened from it. Notice that Paul used the word “if” when he spoke of tongues being used in a public service (v. 27). That is a clear indication that tongues were not a part of every service and certainly not a requirement for public worship. “If” someone spoke in tongues, and “if” there was no one there to interpret, the speaker was instructed to keep quiet “in the church” and speak to himself and God. Two or three “prophets” were to speak in the public services and the people were to carefully consider what was taught. Obviously, there were occasions where someone spoke spontaneously, as they were inspired by the Lord.


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Refuse to restrict the moving of God’s Spirit in worship services. It is fine to have an order of service, but the Spirit should feel free to interrupt us anytime that he so desires. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Four: All spiritual gifts are appropriate when used at appropriate times and in appropriate situations.

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“One by One”It is obvious that there was to be order, and not confusion, when spiritual gifts were employed in public worship. This was to be the case no matter what gift was being exercised or when it was being exercised. When the teachers (prophets) taught, they were to do so “one by one” (KJV) or “in order” (NIV). So, even though there was no specific “Order of Service” for public worship, the worship services were to be orderly and without confusion. All this fits well with the earlier instructions regarding spiritual gifts. The different parts of the body were to work together to perform as one unit. As such, the different gifts, when exercised, each had their proper place and role in public worship. Paul clearly stated that God was not the author of “confusion” (KJV) or “disorder” (NIV) but of peace (v. 33).

The instructions that Paul is giving to the Corinthian believers were the same that had been given to the other “churches” (KJV) or “all the congregations” (NIV). There are some extreme views, both ways, on the subjects of the role of women and the exercising of spiritual gifts in public worship. We should be careful to avoid being too extreme in our position on either issue. When things are done “decently” and “in order” KJV) or “in a fitting and orderly way” (NIV), then God will be glorified when we assemble ourselves for worship.


Respect the beliefs of others and refuse to be critical of other churches that preach the gospel of salvation by grace. Remember, no fellow believer is our competitor or enemy. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Five:Public worship is to be free from restriction and free from confusion at one and the same time.

“Evening Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-10

Keeping Things in PerspectiveThe words “now” (NIV) and “moreover” (KJV) are both indicators that Paul is again moving on to another subject. It seems that he has saved the best reason for the church to operate without strife and confusion for last. When weighed against the soon return of Christ, and our short-lived opportunity to do his work here, any issue that might cause division in the church should seem petty and unimportant. Paul clearly stated that what he was going to say about the resurrection was information that he had received (been taught) and was passing on to them. “First of all” (KJV) or “of first importance” (NIV) was the fact that “Christ died for our sins . . . that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (vs. 3-4). Just as surely as he had appeared to Peter, the twelve, and more than 500 of the brothers, he was to soon appear to these Corinthian believers.

Paul’s humility is clearly exhibited in verses 8 and 9. It is obvious that his former role as a persecutor of the church left him with many sad memories and deep regrets. However, God’s grace had transformed this persecutor into a preacher and Paul did not allow God’s grace to be wasted on him. He sought to live and serve in such a way that God’s grace would not have been bestowed upon him “in vain” (KJV) or “without effect” (NIV).


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Realize that a proper perspective about the soon return of Christ and the rapture of the church causes all of our religious differences to seem ignoble and unimportant. Serve Christ today like you really believe that he could return before tomorrow. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Six: Keeping your eyes on the skies will help you to keep your eyes on the prize!

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It is not About Us!Paul wanted the church members at Corinth to know that he did not consider himself to be either vital or irreplaceable when it came to ministry. Speaking of the other apostles, Paul said that the message could have come from any of them and it would have had the same power and life-changing effect upon them. It was their personal faith in the message, and not the messenger, that had saved them. Paul then turned his attention to addressing some issues concerning bodily resurrection. To deny a bodily resurrection was to deny that Christ himself had risen from the dead. Paul wanted these Christians to understand the serious consequences that accompanied this kind of unbelief. A gospel without the resurrection was “vain” (KJV) or “useless” (NIV). Furthermore, if there was no resurrection, then the apostles, including Paul, should be dealt with as false witnesses. By faith, Paul was able to boldly conclude that, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

In the Old Testament, the “firstfruits” were an indicator of what was to follow, only in more abundance. As such, the resurrection of Christ was to be an indicator of the fact that all believers could look forward to a bodily resurrection and a reunion with all of those who have gone to heaven before us.


Discipline yourself to prioritize the preaching of the gospel over arguing doctrines with other believers. Believe that our time and opportunities to share the gospel are coming to a close. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Seven: It is the message and not the messenger that is important!


Adam vs. JesusSince we are all descendants of Adam, we have all inherited his death sentence. However, our becoming related to Christ allows us to inherit his resurrection and eternal life. Christ went before us into death and resurrection and paved the way for all of us to follow. The resurrection of Christ was the final (and fatal) blow to Satan. Through it, all of Satan’s dominion, authority and power were completely destroyed. The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. After his return, and our resurrection, Christ will hand this world over to his heavenly Father.

All people are related to Adam by natural birth. Only those who have experienced the supernatural, new birth are related to Jesus. Any person can become a Christian. It does not matter how sinful you have been or how little you know about the Bible and church. Salvation is in a person, and not a place or a practice. All you have to do to be saved – and to be secure in the belief that you will go to heaven when you die – is to simply ask Jesus to come into your heart and save you. Right now, right where you are, you can pray a very simple prayer – something like this: “Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and that I do not deserve to go to heaven. I believe that you died on the cross to pay my penalty for my sin – a debt that I could not possibly pay on my own-so that I could be saved and go to heaven. I now ask you to forgive me of my sin and to come into my heart and save me. Amen.”

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Accept Christ as your Savior tonight. If you have already accepted Christ, then share him with someone else. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Eight: All people, everywhere, need to be born again if they desire to experience heaven when they die.

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The Risk of Reach!Since the day of his personal conversion, Paul had sought diligently to win other people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Many times his efforts to reach out to others had come at a great price. Why would he have faced so much opposition and persecution if he did not fully, completely, totally believe that the gospel was from God? If the resurrection were really some “pie in the sky” and “feel good” kind of teaching and preaching, then he may as well quit and just wait to die. He warned the believers at Corinth against being misled by associating with and keeping company with the wrong people. If people refuse to believe in Christ, and his resurrection, then we should preach the truth to them. If they refuse to believe, we are not to compromise what we believe when we are around them.

Paul warned that there were going to be some who would not understand about the resurrection. He suggested a simple analogy: Just like a seed is sown in one form only to come forth from the ground in another form entirely, so it is with our resurrection. Our earthly bodies will be sown, as they are now, into the grave only to someday emerge as a supernatural, heavenly body. If people want us to “explain” that, then we should ask them to “explain” how an oak tree can grow from an acorn. It just happens because God makes it happen! Amen!


Dare to reach out to others. If you don’t, then who will? Refuse to get caught up in vain questions and arguments with unbelievers. Share the gospel first and doctrine

later. Kingdom Policy Number Thirty-Nine: All risks associated with sharing the gospel will seem small when we stand before Christ.


A Perfect BodyCan you imagine how wonderful it would be to live in a perfect body? The body in which I currently reside is far from perfect. As a matter of fact, it is so imperfect that it will someday quit on me altogether and die. When that happens, it will be so useless that, after whatever reusable parts can be harvested, the remains will be burned or buried until the day of the resurrection. My current body is perishable! However, my new body, the one I have on order from God & Son, is imperishable! It will never get sick, fail me in any way, or die. One day, the human part of me will be put away in dishonor only to be raised again in glory. It will be put away in weakness only to be, eventually, raised in power! It will be put away a natural body that will return to nature itself, but it will be raised a supernatural body that can return to God!

Just as surely as there is a natural body in which I now reside, there is a spiritual body in which I will someday reside. To get to that spiritual body, I have to live through this current phase of life in the natural. When I die, the part of me that belongs here will stay here, but the part of me that belongs to God will go to be with him in heaven. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. So, we have to leave this old body behind when we die with full faith that God will give us the spiritual body that he has promised to us.


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Respect your earthly body. Take good care of it. Realize that it is God’s temple and that the Holy Spirit abides with us here. Thank God for his presence within you. Kingdom Policy Number Forty: The Holy Spirit lives with you. Be a good roommate!

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The “Mystery”After answering many questions that the believers at Corinth had asked, Paul decided to answer an unasked question. After discussing the resurrection of the dead in Christ, Paul moves on to explain how things will be for those who are alive when Christ comes to rapture his church. The interest of every listener had to be peaked as the one reading the letter said, “Behold” (KJV) or “Listen” (NIV), I “show” (KJV) or “tell” (NIV) you a “mystery.” A New Testament “mystery” was something that was not told in the Old Testament but was now being revealed to believers in New Testament times. That is why Paul had to “show” them what the “mystery” was. Paul went on to explain that, suddenly, without warning, a trumpet will sound. When it does, believers who are alive on earth at the time of the resurrection of the dead will be “changed.” Our perishable/corruptible bodies will, in a time compared to the “twinkling of an eye,” become imperishable/incorruptible (eternal) – never to be weak again by age or threatened again by sickness or death. Believers will realize that the curse of Adam has been eternally broken and that Satan’s temporary victory in Eden will have been totally and finally reversed. Rather than wait until that moment, Paul began to offer thanks to God for “the victory” then and there! Because of this ultimate victory, believers should now, in this life, be firm in their faith – allowing nothing to limit their work for the Lord. Since we are absolutely convinced about the resurrection of the dead and the rapture of the church, we know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that our work for the Lord is not in vain.


Imagine what the day described in these verses will be like for you. Visualize you being resurrected or raptured and then changed completely into a complete person that can never again fail or disappoint anyone – especially God! Kingdom Policy Number Forty-One: Looking forward to the Lord’s return will keep us looking around for something to do for God today!


God’s Finance PlanThe believer that realizes that the work done for Christ in this life is not “in vain” (15:58) will be willing to invest in ministry so that it can continue to reach people until the day of the resurrection and rapture of the church. The word translated “in vain” in the final verse of this morning’s reading literally means “empty.” When we invest in God’s Kingdom, we are not going to come up “empty.” It is clear from today’s verses that God fully expects every believer to give to the work of the church on a regular, systematic basis. Our giving should be based on a percentage of what God has given us. If all believers would be faithful to the teaching of verses 1-2 of this chapter, there would be no need for special offerings, or “gatherings,” to be taken to support worthwhile causes. Notice that Paul wisely disassociated himself from the handling of the church’s money. The Corinthians, as lay people, were to select someone to handle the money collected in the offerings and make sure that they got to where they needed to be.

Paul let them know that he planned to come and spend some time with them, but, until he could, he was going to send Timothy to minister to them.

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Review your giving history and see if you have been faithfully investing in the work of the church. Commit to being faithful with a regular gift that reflects your appreciation for what God has given to you. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Two: Trust God enough to be faithful to Him in giving.

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In ClosingAs Paul began to close this letter, he touched on several issues of importance. Apparently, one of the things that the church had communicated with him about was a visit from Apollos. If you recall, Apollos was a favorite preacher among many of the believers in this church. (See 1:12) Paul had obviously relayed that request to this well loved preacher, but had to report to the church that Apollos was not able to make a commitment to visit with them at that time.

Take a moment to review these closing verses and circle the word “love” every time that you see it. Just as love had been the answer to most of the problems in the church, love now will be the key ingredient to their sustaining a ministry for Christ until his return. Verse 14 says it all! They were to do everything that they did in love. Verse 22 declares that the one, true measure for ministry is love. If anyone in the church refuses to season their talk, or walk, with love for Jesus Christ, then let that person be marked and separated from the body before their spirit could contaminate the rest of the church.

The KJV includes the words, “Anathema,” which means “separated” or “cursed” (see v. 22 – NIV) and “Maranatha,” which was an exclamation meaning “Come!” Paul’s prayer was that the return of the Lord would be very soon! Amen!


Pray for those who preach the gospel tonight. Express your appreciation to someone who has committed his or her life to ministry. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Three: Pray for the soon return of Jesus and work for him until your prayer is answered!


TimothyThis is the first letter of Paul that includes Timothy in the salutation. We will later see that both 1 & 2 Thessalonians include this young preacher’s name in their opening verses. Timothy was a young man that began to minister with Paul soon after he and Barnabas began to minister separately. He was a well respected member of the church and came highly recommended by the Christians at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-2). It is no coincidence that Paul begins this letter by discussing the “God of all comfort” (1:3). When Paul and Barnabas had their break up, Paul lost a faithful ministry partner – and probably first thought that he had lost a good friend. However, God “comforted” Paul by providing someone to serve faithfully with him until his ministry on earth was concluded.

Paul was quick to report that believers may suffer for their commitment to Christ, but that Christ was ever present to comfort us when we do. He went on to say that his (and our) sufferings were offset by the fact that they led to his (and our) being able to witness to and disciple more people for Christ. This great preacher was not ashamed to admit that his trials and tribulations sometimes seemed to get the better of him. He spoke of some “trouble” in Asia that caused him to despair, or fear, even death.

He emphasized the importance of the prayers that were being offered up by his fellow Christians and assured them that their prayers were appreciated and helpful.


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Let’s begin our devotionals in 2 Corinthians where we left off in 1 Corinthians. Please pray for your pastor and spiritual leaders. Ask God to continually encourage them in their work. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Four: Always believe that God is faithful to comfort us and provide our needs.


SincerityOne of the reasons that Paul wrote this second letter to the church at Corinth was because there were some there who were denying that Paul was actually an apostle of Jesus. Some of their concerns may have been based on Paul’s past persecution of the church, and some may have been based on his first letter that had addressed some critical, moral issues in the church. Preaching the truth is not always popular. It wasn’t then and it is the same for many today.

Paul will spend some time defending his ministry in this letter. The first issue that might have been questioned was his sincerity. Paul wanted to assure them (and us) that his ministry was “by” (KJV) or “according to” (NIV) the grace of God. He saw his ministry as being three things: 1) Simple, 2) Sincere, and 3) Spiritual. It is hard to imagine a ministry being measured in any other way. He reminded them that he and his ministry partners had been faithful to preach Jesus Christ to them in his visits with them (v. 19). Paul believed that God had place his “seal” on his ministry. A seal on a document identified its owner and that owner’s commitment to defend and protect the decrees stated therein. Paul believed that God would endorse the sincerity of his ministry and place his divine “seal of approval” on it. The “earnest” (KJV) or “deposit” (NIV) that is referenced in verse 22 was a “down payment” that obligated or committed someone to make further payments. The Holy Spirit is simply God’s “down payment” on the many, and continual, blessings that he has for all believers.


Pray for the young people in our church and make an effort to let at least one of them know how important they are to us. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Five: Every believer in ministry can rely on God to continually supply his ministerial needs.


Changed PlansPaul must have understood that his change in schedule must have created some inconvenience for the Corinthians, because he strongly defended his decision, calling on God to be his “witness,” and stating that he felt that it was in the best interest of the church that his next visit with them be at a later time. Apparently his first visit with them had been in “heaviness” (KJV) or was “painful” (NIV) and left the church members feeling “sorry” (KJV) or “grieved” (NIV). With that in mind, Paul had decided to write them a letter that appears to have been written sometime between the letters we know as 1 & 2 Corinthians. What was actually stated in that letter is not known to us; however, many scholars believe that the letter dealt with a disciplinary action that the church had taken against one of the members. That action is discussed in verses 5-11 in this chapter. Some have assumed that this is in reference to the individual who was having an affair with his step-mother (See 1 Corinthians 5:1). Whoever that person may have been, or whatever he may have done, Paul encouraged the church to forgive him. His concern was that this

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individual might be “swallowed up” (KJV) or “overwhelmed” by excessive sorrow. Paul was right to believe that the long-term goal of church discipline was to be the repentance and restoration of the sinning individual.


Resist speaking or taking any harsh actions before taking some time to think and pray through the situation. Delay confrontations until your words can be spoken in love. Always seek to see sinners come to a place of repentance and restoration to ministry. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Six: Be willing to forgive and restore fallen Christians who have truly repented of their sins.

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Satan’s SchemesPaul was willing to defer to the decision that the church would make on this Christian that needed forgiveness. If the church was ready to forgive this person, then Paul was ready to forgive also. More than anything, Paul did not want this situation to remain a contention between him and the church and become a hindrance to any further ministry that he might have there. Such division is clearly identified as one of Satan’s “devices” (KJV) or “schemes,” (NIV) of which, Paul stated, we are not to be ignorant or unaware. The Greek word employed there was used only 6 times in the New Testament – all by Paul, and five of the six times are in 2 Corinthians. In the KJV, 4 of the usages in this letter are translated “mind.” Paul is saying that we are not to be ignorant or unaware of the way that our enemy thinks. Paul knew exactly what Satan’s opinion would be about any Christian who sinned. Satan would desire that they be put out of the church and never allowed back! He would have them to be completely disqualified from any future involvement in ministry – whether they have truly repented or not!

Sad to say, there are many people in God’s churches today that think in that same way. While we should always operate cautiously, we should not be unwilling to forgive those who have been forgiven by Christ. An unforgiving spirit usually leads to division.


Forgive your fellow Christians if they demonstrate genuine repentance. Seek to restore them to the fellowship of the church whenever possible. Always be careful to protect the church, especially children, from those who might represent potential harm to them. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Seven: Forgiving Christians are a part of the solution and not the problem.


Again?It is clear that Paul was beginning to feel like he was, once again, being forced to defend the sincerity of his ministry. Those who had challenged his apostleship earlier must have taken up their arguments and accusations against him once more. In verse one, Paul spoke of “letters of commendation” (KJV) or “recommendation” (NIV). Paul had given such a recommendation for Phoebe in Romans 16:2, stating that the church there should “receive her in the Lord.” Later in this same letter he will include a recommendation for one of his fellow ministers (8:22-24).

If a letter of recommendation became necessary, Paul suggested that the Christians at Corinth might well be his letters of recommendation. They could serve as living letters, written not on paper but on hearts and not with ink only, but with the Spirit of the living God!

When it came to a sense of self-confidence or sufficiency, Paul never boasted or expressed any confidence in himself. He clearly stated that his “sufficiency” (KJV) or “competence” (NIV) was from God. It was God who had made him “able” (KJV) or “competent” to be a minister of the new covenant that promised life and not death.


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Recognize that any ministry will have its critics. Refuse to be critical of other people or ministries without just cause. Refrain from gossip and excuse yourself from any circle of Christians that are habitually critical of other believers. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Eight: Let the fruit of your labor in the Lord be the proof of the sincerity of your ministry.

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HopeThe new covenant was one of hope. Hope instilled a confidence within Paul that he could have never mustered on his own. That hopeful confidence also allowed Paul to speak with great “plainness” (KJV) or to be “bold” (NIV). Moses had chosen to “veil” his face so that the children of Israel would not be blinded by the radiance that came from his visits and conversations with God. Paul chose to do just the opposite. He chose to speak boldly and trust the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s power and presence to those who heard him preach and teach, causing his listeners to glorify God and not some preacher.

Paul realized that his responsibility was to be a reflection of the Lord’s glory. It was the Lord’s glory that could transform lives and mold men and women to become more and more like the Christians that God desired for them to be.

It was only because God’s mercy and the transforming power of Christ that Paul even had a ministry! He knew that – and he wanted everyone else to know it as well. Because of God’s grace, Paul was determined to continue faithfully in a style of ministry to which he would never have to be ashamed and that would be pleasing in the sight of God.


Never quit serving the Lord – no matter what anyone may say or think. Allow hope to keep you moving forward and growing in grace. Kingdom Policy Number Forty-Nine: Keep serving and you will keep growing!


“The ‘god’ of this World” Even though I have customarily capitalized the key words in the titles to these devotionals, I could not allow myself to capitalize one of the words in tonight’s title. I think that the reason for that decision will be apparent to you. How sad it is to realize that Satan has blinded the minds of many – so much so that they cann0t see the light of the gospel. This imposed “blindness” is not from a condition that affects the eyes but the mind. Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers and, because of that; they cannot see the benefit of the gospel of Christ. It is the glory of Christ that Satan fights to keep “veiled.” He does not want them to see that Jesus is the “image of God.” Christ is to be the focal point of all of our preaching and teaching. Lifting him up before a needy world is the main purpose for every sermon, Bible study, and Sunday School lesson at our church. When the light of God came into Paul’s life, it shined upon his heart, bringing about amazing changes in his life and purpose. This “treasure” (the light of Christ) has been passed to us so that we, in our “earthen vessels” (KJV) or “jars of clay” (NIV) could be witnesses to the true source of this soul-saving light! It is not about us.

The “god” of this world will do everything within his power to thwart our efforts to pass this light on to everyone that we meet and the generation that is to follow us in our walk with Christ. We must be diligent and faithful in our efforts if we want to see continuation of the spread of the gospel. This ministry is not without cost, as is evident by the trials that Paul and his fellow ministers endured to “manifest” (KJV) or “reveal” (NIV) the light of Christ to their world.


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Share your salvation testimony with someone and be a light to a lost and dying world. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty: We must not allow the god of this world to outwit or outwork us!

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The Power of FaithPaul quotes Psalm 116:10 in the opening verse of today’s reading. In that poetic message, the Psalmist, because of his faith, pledged to “fulfill his vows” (Psalm 116:14) made to God in spite of his enemies. Turn and read Psalm 116:15 and you will see that this vow was made at great risk – even the risk of death. Paul’s vow was much the same as this Psalmist of the past. He was willing to suffer any trial or affliction for the cause of Christ. He could do so because he firmly believed in the One who had resurrected Jesus Christ and would, someday, raise us up as well. The last five words of 1 Corinthians 4:15 are pretty much the same in all translations of the New Testament: “To the glory of God.” Our faith (which is a gift from God – See Ephesians 2:8) can strengthen us to the point that we will not “faint” (KJV) or “lose heart” (NIV). Our physical man may be growing older, weaker, and weary every day, but our spiritual man is being constantly renewed day by day. All of this makes our current afflictions seem but for a short moment when compared to our eternal rewards in heaven. We, like Paul, must focus on that we see through the power of faith and not just on what we see in this present world. What we see with our eyes is temporary. What we can see in faith is eternal. We know that this temporary “tabernacle” (KJV) or “tent” (NIV) in which we now dwell (our earthly bodies) are going to someday become “a house not made by human hands,” but, rather, an eternal “house” (not “tent”) in heaven.


Look forward in faith and believe that this world, and its suffering, is only temporary. Commit to living for God on a day to day basis – asking him to renew your spiritual strength daily. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-One: Believers are to seek God’s strength and renewal on a daily basis.


“Always Confident”Because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s “earnest” money (KJV) or “deposit” (NIV) against all that he is going to continually do for us for all eternity, Paul could boldly state that he and his fellow Christians could live, and serve, with a constant confidence. The presence of the Holy Spirit was just a taste of heaven here on earth. However, it was taste enough to make the temporary pleasures of this world seem distasteful to those who longed for their heavenly home with Christ. Paul stated their goal was to be “accepted” (KJV – meaning ‘acceptable’) or “to please” (NIV – meaning ‘be pleasing’) to Christ. He believed that he would one day stand before the Lord and give a personal account of what he accomplished for Christ during his lifetime.

A major part of ministry is to “persuade” people to believe in Christ. The confidence of the saints is founded on faith in the fact that Christ died for us – for all of us. As such, we all should be willing to live for him! Verse 15 says it all: “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again.” Those who exercise this kind of faith – and are willing to make this kind of commitment – will be blessed with the same kind of constant confidence that Paul and his companions enjoyed.


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Live and serve with a constant confidence that what you do for Christ is not in vain. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Two: The Holy Spirit dwells within us while we are here on earth to remind us that we can have complete confidence that we will soon dwell in heaven with God.

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Changing the Way We “Look”In times past, the church has been guilty of determining just exactly how a Christian ought to “look.” The change in the way that Paul “looked” was not in his own personal appearance, but in the way that he “looked” at others. Paul had learned to base his evaluation of others on eternal things rather than external things. Paul believed that anyone who was in Christ was a new creation. This fact allowed Paul to see potential in every believer. The greatest potential for any believer is found in our calling to be ambassadors of Christ. We are to be empowered messengers, sent out on Christ’s behalf, to preach man’s opportunity to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

Believing that he who “had no sin” was willing to “be sin for us,” and, that through his sacrificial death, we can have “the righteousness of God” was enough to motivate Paul to go anywhere that God wanted to send him. He considered himself to be “working together” (KJV) as a “fellow worker” (NIV) with God. To be saved and not willing to serve, was to be guilty of receiving God’s grace “in vain.” This phrase was not employed to diminish the wonderful grace of God in any way. It was used here to help us to see that we are not being fully obedient to the calling of Christ if we heed only his call to salvation while ignoring his call to service.


Allow God to help you change the way that you “look” at others. Be willing to be an ambassador for Christ and to represent him to everyone that you encounter along life’s way. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Three: Fulfilling our obligation to serve Christ will help others to see their opportunity to be saved.


“Servants of God”There are few people interested in being “servants” today – even in God’s churches! Although he was called to serve God in the face of trials and opposition, it is obvious that those negative circumstances helped to develop many positive traits in Paul’s life. The sufferings listed in verses 4 and 5 resulted in the great blessings listed in verses 6 and 7. These blessings allowed God’s servants to continue on in spite of their circumstances or what others thought, or said, about them. We should remind ourselves that part of the reason for this second letter to the church at Corinth was to refute the charges of some that Paul was not to be considered an “authentic” apostle, and, therefore, not to be regarded as an anointed messenger of God. Such accusations brought sorrow to Paul, but God did not allow that sorrow to diminish the rejoicing in Paul’s life. Even though there were some in this church that were not expressing Christian love and respect to him, Paul had committed himself to loving and respecting them.

Such is the life of one who desires to serve God. It is not a life filled with worldly pleasures. It is not a life that promises popularity with people. But, it is a life that is richly blessed by the presence and the power of Almighty God! Jesus warned all who would follow him that their commitment to follow his call would lead to some times of great trial and affliction. Because of that, he promised us his eternal presence as we labor for him. Amen!

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Accept God’s call to serve. Endure any trials or afflictions that might distract you. Remind yourself, daily, that Christ endured great pain and suffering for you. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Four: Base your service to Christ on what you know rather than on what others think.

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Unequally Yoked? We have often heard these verses used to teach us that, as Christians, we are commanded to avoid becoming unequally yoked with unbelievers in marriage and business relationships. However, when kept in context, this statement was made regarding those that desired to create division in the church by diminishing Paul and his call to ministry. Just as light could not mix with darkness, and Christ could not partner with the devil, committed Christians did not belong in the circle of those who chose to be critical and judgmental. One would never bring an idol into God’s temple – and one should never allow the “idols” of pride, criticism and false judgment to be allowed among us. The challenge to “come out from among them” was a warning to not try to “split the difference” with them. In other words, there was no “middle position” for the Christians at Corinth. They either endorsed Paul’s ministry or they didn’t. They couldn’t be one way with Paul and another when they were with his critics.

Paul’s request that they “receive” him (KJV) or “make room for him in their hearts” (NIV) is a strong indication that this plea to avoid unholy associations was made in light of the criticisms being made of him and those who ministered with him. Notice that he, again, defended his actions and stated that he had not wronged or exploited anyone. These statements provide some insight as to the kind of things that were being said about Paul. Paul did not allow the opinions of some to form his opinion of the church as a whole. As such, he expressed great confidence in the church members at Corinth and let them know that they were a source of encouragement to him.


Avoid getting caught up in conversations that are not positive and productive. Resolve to use criticism sparingly and in a constructive way. Remind yourself that something that is important enough to be said about a person is important enough to be said to that person. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Five: Never say things about someone that you are not willing to say to that someone.


TitusEven though Paul’s problems did not defeat him, it is obvious that they weighed heavily on his heart and mind. He spoke of having “no rest” and of being “troubled” (KJV) or “harassed” (NIV) on all sides. In other words, he sensed that he was being attacked from every angle. Compare this to the way that every aspect of Job’s life was attacked at one and the same time and you will understand that Satan never changes his tactics. Paul was neither afraid, nor ashamed, to admit his fears. In the same sense, he was not bashful about giving God praise for comforting him in his times of fear.

One of the ways that God comforted Paul was a visit from a young preacher named Titus. Look again at the last part of verse 7 and note the kind of report that Titus shared with his elder friend. He spoke of positive things, such as, the love and concern that the church at Corinth had for Paul. Titus was certainly not one to be named among those who spoke only of the negative. From what Titus reported, Paul was convinced that the opinions held by a few were not necessarily the opinions of the church. After his visit from Titus, it is obvious that Paul was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually refreshed.

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Commit to being a source of encouragement to others. Use words to build people up and not to tear them down. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Six: Christians are to encourage one another.

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Two Great ExamplesThe word “moreover” (KJV) or “now” (NIV) marks another change in subject matter. At least for now, Paul has said what he wants to say in defense of his ministry and he is ready to talk about giving. It is important to note that it was after the encouraging visit from Titus, and after hearing a good report from the church at Corinth, that Paul felt as though he could stop defending himself and start teaching believers about the more important issue of sharing with others. While teaching on giving, Paul referred to two great examples. First, he mentioned the church at Macedonia and how they, in spite of their severe trials and extreme poverty, had been willing to give generously. Paul stated that they had given even more than they were “able” to give. In other words, they gave more than the customary percentage that was to normally be set aside for such offerings. When it came to giving, the Macedonian Christians did more than required – and more than expected! In verse 8 Paul clearly associates our willingness to give generously to the sincerity of our love for Christ. If we love Christ, then we love our fellow Christians and see our gifts and service to them as a gift or service to Christ himself.

The greatest example of giving was to be found in Christ. Though he was rich, he, for our sakes, became poor so that we, through him, might be rich. Verse nine references the greatest exchange of wealth that has ever transpired. God put our sins on his Son and put his Son’s righteousness in us!


Examine your personal giving and your willingness to be generous. Realize that your generosity is one of the ways in which the sincerity of your faith may be measured. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Seven: Be a good example by giving generously.


The Best Reason to GiveThere are many good reasons to give, and Paul included some of them in the verses that we have read tonight. Giving employs what we have in the service of the One that we love. It is one of the ways that we can put our words into action and “perform” (KJV) or “finish” (NIV) at least part of that which Christ has called us to do. Giving confirms that we have a willingness to obey God, even when it costs us something. Giving brings relief to those who are suffering and allows us to play a part in God’s provision for his people. Giving also allows God to be as gracious to us as we are to others. There is much truth to that old expression: “You cannot out give God!”

Again, there are many good reasons for Christians to give, but the greatest reason is found in verse 19 of our evening Scripture reading. There Paul indicated that the willingness of the Christians to give generously to others brought “glory” (KJV) or “honor” (NIV) to the Lord! When we give, and especially when we give sacrificially, it honors the Lord and expresses our faith in him. Being generous is the right thing to do – in the eyes of the Lord and in the eyes of men. For our giving is to be right in the “eyes of men” it must be done rightly in the eyes of God. When we give for the right reasons, and in the right way, God is honored and glorified by our efforts.


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Keep the right reason in mind when you give. Remember that you cannot truly honor the Lord in your giving if you give in such a way that draws attention to yourself. Seek to see only Christ praised and glorified as a result of your generosity to others. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Eight: Honor the Lord by being generous to others.

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An Anonymous SaintIn addition to Titus, Paul mentioned another Christian that had been a help and blessing to him. He was someone who had proven himself to be faithful in “many things” (KJV) or “many ways” (NIV). He was a zealous Christian and an honor to Christ. Scholars have entered many “nominations” for who this brother was, including, but not limited to, Luke, Apollos, Timothy, Sosthenes, and Trophimus. However, any name injected into this verse would be nothing more than pure conjecture and would be an insult to all of those who have served our Lord anonymously in times past. If God wanted us to know who this saint was, then he would have told us. What he is telling us here is that when we serve and give in ways that are pleasing to him, we will not need to have our names recorded anywhere for people to see.

In 8:24, giving is once again associated with the proof of our love. Notice that our giving is something that can “show” our love (KJV) and something that others can “see” (NIV). However, it is the “gift” that is to be seen and not the “giver.”

Paul expressed his confidence that the church at Corinth would do the right thing about giving. He knew that they were both willing and eager to help. Paul anticipated that their gift would be generous and that they would reap generously if they were willing to sow generously.


Be faithful to give to God and trust him to keep his promise to be faithful to you. Learn the law of sowing and reaping and make it a foundational part of your relationship with Christ. Kingdom Policy Number Fifty-Nine: Those who give sparingly will reap sparingly while those who give generously will reap generously.


“God is Able!”Those who have decided to partner with God in the matter of giving have learned that God is able to make sure that we have all that we need in order to abound unto every good work. In other words, God will give you what you need so that you, in turn, can be faithful to give to the needs of others. The happiest Christians are those who prefer to see themselves as channels and not reservoirs. Carefully read again the words found in verse 11. Write them on a card and carry them with you in your pocket and memorize them so that you can carry them with you in your heart! Imagine being able to give in such a way that people will look right past you and give all of the “thanksgiving” to God! What a blessing that would be! Now imagine how blessed it would be to see people benefit from our generosity but “praise” only God!

The ability to be generous is just one part of the surpassing grace that God has given us (v.14). Paul could find no words to describe the sense of blessing that came from being generous in ways that brought praise and thanksgiving to God. When we do any good work in a way that only God can be praised, honored and glorified, then we are doing work in a way that will result in a blessing so wonderful that it simply cannot be described. Basically, Paul said that there are no words in the human language that can describe how good it feels to be used to bring honor and glory to God!

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Be generous to someone in such a way that they will have no one to thank or praise but God and see if you can find the words to describe how good that makes you feel. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty: Trust God to meet your needs enough to allow him meet another’s needs through you.

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A Final DefenseI mentioned earlier that Paul had left off speaking about the challenges to his apostleship to change the subject to the important matter of giving. With those instructions now completed, Paul is ready to deal with those who were opposing his ministry there in Corinth. There are some subjects that simply will not allow us to be anything but straightforward. This was one of those subjects.

Paul wanted to deal with this subject in the gentleness and meekness of Christ. Gentleness can often be misconstrued as weakness and Paul did not want his opponents to think him weak. He fully expected that he was going to have some tough conversations with his critics when he arrived back in Corinth and he was more than willing to do that if the issues could not be resolved prior to his arrival. Paul did not consider himself to be an eloquent or polished preacher. However, he did consider the word that he preached to have divine power and the ability to demolish strongholds or anything else that set itself against God. More than anything, he wanted to help people be obedient to the cause of Christ. Paul desired that his teaching and preaching could be done in a spirit that would build all of the people up and not tear them down. However, he was ready to speak harshly if necessary. He wanted to assure them that he was willing to be as bold and direct in person as he was willing to be by letter.


Do not avoid confrontation when right or wrong is at risk. Stand firm for the truth – no matter how unpopular that decision may be. Trust God’s Word to do your fighting for you and you will never have to fear anyone. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-One: Seek to resolve any and all conflicts in accordance to God’s Word. Let God and his Word have the final answer.


The Only True StandardPaul accused his challengers of being so high minded because they compared themselves to others who they believed to be less spiritual than they were. It is never wise for any human being to become the standard for our Christian experience. Paul wanted the church members to ask themselves this question: “Who was it that brought the gospel to us in the first place?” When they considered that question, they would remember that it was Paul that had reached out to them with God’s plan of salvation. Those that were now challenging and opposing Paul were going beyond the “measure” (KJV) or “limit” (NIV) of the scope of their knowledge. In other words, Paul was declaring that they did not know what they were talking about.

While these boastful accusers were busy talking to the Corinthians about themselves, Paul had been busy talking to them about Christ. Paul urged the believers at Corinth to remember that what we have to say about ourselves carries very little weight against what God has to say about us.

Paul loved the church at Corinth and was lovingly protective of them. He had been a tool used by God to lead them into a saving relationship with him and he did not plan to stand by and watch them being led astray.


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Learn to compare yourself only to Christ and you will always be growing. Avoid comparing yourself to others or you will limit your ability to grow spiritually. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Two: Christ is to be the only standard by which we measure our faith and service.

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“Super-Apostles”Paul realized that there were some who considered themselves to be “chief” (KJV) or “super” (NIV) apostles who were the ones behind the questions regarding his own apostleship qualifications. Paul was not boasting about his teaching or preaching abilities when he stated that he was not “behind” (KJV) or “inferior” (NIV) to these men. He knew that his sermons were not eloquent – but they were empowered by the Holy Spirit of God. Perhaps verses 7 – 9 reveal the real issue about Paul that troubled the other preachers in Corinth. While they had followed the apostle’s tradition of allowing the congregations to support them financially, Paul had not asked any church for anything. The apostles were not wrong to accept support. Jesus clearly commanded them to do so. The fact that Paul received financial assistance from churches is clear from his own writings. However, he did not solicit such offerings for himself, and he did not ask people for his own personal, financial support. Paul’s policy was to trust God to provide for his needs and to work, whenever necessary, to make his own way. This personal policy may have been the one thing that the other preachers liked least about Paul.

In verse 13 Paul speaks of “false apostles.” It is possible that he is speaking of the same men that he referred to earlier as “super-apostles” in verse 5. However, it may have been the Twelve in Jerusalem that he referenced as “super-apostles” and his attackers in Corinth that he referred to as false apostles. This section of Scripture ends with a very definite statement that the real truth about ministers – and ministries – will not be known until the end.


Remind yourself, daily, that the opinions of people can be very different that God’s own opinion. Live and act according to what God knows and not what people think. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Three: Humility is to be a trademark for all of God’s servants.


The Marks of an Apostle In this next section of Scripture, Paul begins to offer some identifying characteristics for a true servant of Christ. Since others had boasted of their qualifications, Paul was willing to mention a few of his own. First, Paul referenced his Jewish heritage. He was a Jew and a descendant of Abraham. Second, he spoke of his personal ministry as a servant of Christ, stating that he had worked harder and suffered more hardships than others. He then provided a detailed listing of some of the trials that he had endured during his quest to preach the gospel of Christ to the world. A very successful pastor once reminded me that, “It’s probably not a ministry if it doesn’t cost you something!”

It is apparent that Paul’s ministry had cost him dearly. He spoke of hard work, beatings, imprisonment and near death experiences. Five times Paul had received thirty-nine lashes from the whip. This was the maximum number of strokes of the whip that could be administered at any one time. Paul could clearly remember that he had been beaten with the whip five times! I am sure that every lash made a lasting impression on Paul – and that every, single one of them was noticed by our Lord!


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Ask yourself if serving Christ has ever cost you anything. Review your personal sacrifices and praise God for every opportunity to be a witness of Christ’s sufferings. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Four: Suffering is still one of the most distinguishing characteristics of a Christian.

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And The List Goes On…Paul continued to list the many ways that he had suffered for the cause of Christ. When you include the 3 beatings with rods with the 5 beatings with whips (mentioned in verse 24) you get a total of, at least, 8 times that Paul was publicly beaten as punishment for simply preaching the gospel. It is customarily understood that the beatings with whips had come at the hands of Paul’s Jewish opposition while the beatings with rods had come at the hand of the Romans. It is interesting to note that the same two uncommon allies that sought to end the earthly ministry of Jesus were the same two that fought so hard to silence the Apostle Paul.

He was, at least once, stoned and left for dead (See Acts 14:19). When you read the list of trials and afflictions that Paul faced, you can readily see that, for Paul and others, the ministry proved to be a very dangerous occupation! To add to the persecutions that he faced, Paul had also experienced times where he had little or no food or clothing. It is no wonder that he recalled many sleepless nights!

And, to add to everything that he had already mentioned, Paul referenced the “care” (KJV) or “concern” (NIV) “for the churches” (v. 28). There was never a time when the needs of the churches were not on his mind. For the true minister, the needs of the church are constantly wearing on the mind. One service is barely over before the need to feed the people in the next service begins to wear away at you. It is, perhaps, the inability to meet every need in the church that most wearies the pastor’s mind and burdens his heart.


Pray for God’s pastors today. Encourage someone who has ministered to you in the past. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Five: True ministry does not come without costs.


Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh”Most scholars associate the near-death experience that Paul describes in 12:1-6 followed the stoning that he at Lystra (14:19). It is obvious from that story that Paul was near enough to death that his attackers had believed him to be dead. Scholars are also in general agreement that the “man” of whom Paul is speaking in these verses was himself. Whether it was at that time or at some other time in Paul’s life, the apostle clearly recalled seeing and hearing things that were “unspeakable” (KJV) or “inexpressible” (NIV) in human language and terms. Although verse 4 only references “hearing” – it is clear from the term “visions and revelations” (v.1) that both senses were blessed beyond description!

Paul spoke of a “thorn” that was “given” (v. 7) to him. This thorn was obviously a physical condition, since it was in his “flesh.” There has been much speculation as to what this thorn was. Some say that it was a vision problem that had probably come as a result of the blinding light that had temporarily blinded Paul when he met Christ on the road to Damascus. Others have different explanations. However, it is not as important for us to know what the thorn was as it is for us to know why it was sent. It was to serve as a constant reminder that we are not to serve God in the strength of our flesh, or according to our physical abilities.

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Thank God for some difficult experience that led you to a stronger faith in him. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Six: God’s strength begins where our strength ends.

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More “Marks” of an ApostleIt was obvious that Paul felt foolish for “glorying” (KJV) or “boasting” (NIV) about his qualifications as an apostle, but, since the Corinthians did not seem to be defending him against his accusers, he had felt compelled to defend himself. However, his concluding comment about himself said it all: “I am nothing” (v. 11). He wanted his readers, both then and now, to understand that he had only mentioned his qualifications in order to defend his calling and appointment to the ministry.

He then mentioned the “signs of an apostle” (KJV) that God had made evident in his personal ministry. He spoke of “wonders” and “miracles” as well. To Paul, these accompanying signs were all “marks” of one who was truly empowered as an ambassador for Christ!

Paul had been different from others apostles in only one way – he had tried to be self-supporting and not a financial burden to the churches. It is important to note that, for some reason, he felt that he should apologize to the church for doing so. He restated his reason very clearly when he said that he wanted them to know that his interest in them far exceeded any interest that he had in their possessions.


Review your motivations for service today. Remind yourself that we should focus more on what we can give to the church than what we can receive from it. Be faithful in every way and God will always provide what you need. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Seven: Let the presence and power of God be your defense against any who attack your ministry.


In ClosingPaul reminded the believers at Corinth that he was about to make his third visit there, and they could then resolve all of the issues that he had just discussed with them in his letter. No doubt, he was speaking of the issues of those who were attacking his ministry qualifications and the issues of sin and division in the church. He encouraged his fellow Christians to “examine” and “test” themselves to see if there were truly in the faith or not. He had allowed them to examine his life closely – and he had defended, to the best of his ability – his calling and ministry. Now they needed to be ready to defend themselves against the preaching and teaching that he was going to bring with him on his next visit. He wanted them to clearly understand that he had only one reason for coming to them, that being, to build them up and to strengthen their faith as believers.

His closing comments encourage them to “be perfect” (KJV) or to “aim for perfection” (NIV). Both Paul’s opening and closing remarks to this church provide insight as to how much he loved them and desired for them to live fruitfully and enjoy God’s best. He desired that they be of one mind and that they live in peace. More than anything, he desired that “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” be with all of them. It is only through God’s grace and love that any fellowship can be established or maintained. If we love God, then it will only be possible for us to love one another and see our way through any challenges that we may face as a church.

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Pray that all of the power of the great and mighty Triune God would be upon us and evident in our church body. Trust God to be the only factor for success against our enemy. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Eight: All that is God is made available to those who follow and serve him.

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Morning Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

A Letter of EncouragementSatan desires to discourage Christians and churches-and to keep them discouraged. In this letter Paul will speak of the need and nature of encouragement. As believers, we are commanded to encourage our fellow Christians no less than three times in this short letter (4:18; 5:11; 5:14).

Paul wrote this letter to a new, small church that was located in what was a very large and politically powerful city. Thessalonica was the capital city for its province and a center for business and trade. The word translated “church” (v. 1) is a word that means “called our assembly.” That is exactly what a church is. It is an assembly of people who have been called to come out of the world and to assemble together in service for the Lord Jesus Christ. As such, we congregate on a regular basis and find encouragement as we meet together. Since Paul used a letter to encourage this group of believers, we know that written communication is a good way for believers to encourage one another. In verse 3, Paul complimented the believers at Thessalonica for the way that they had served Christ. This became yet another way that Paul chose to encourage this church. He complimented them on the way that their faith had become known as an “example” (KJV) or “model” (NIV) to others Christians throughout the world. It is no wonder this church is now remembered for its appreciation of God’s Word as well as its anticipation of Christ’s return.


Look for a way to encourage a fellow believer today. Pray that our church, by being fully committed to the Lord, would be an example for others to follow. Kingdom Policy Number Sixty-Nine: As a church, we encourage one another when we congregate, communicate, and appreciate one another for God’s glory!

Evening Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

Enough Courage to ShareIf we are to encourage anyone else, then we must have courage within us. In verse 2 Paul reminded the Christians at Thessalonica of the physical suffering and personal insults (“shamefully entreated” – KJV) that he had experienced at Philippi. And yet, in spite of this, he and his partners “were bold” enough (KJV) or “dared” (NIV) to continue preaching the gospel to others. Paul could encourage others because he had courage in him. It was from the boldness that comes from having the Holy Spirit living in us.

Another reason that Paul was able to be an encouragement to others was because he knew that his motives were sincere and unselfish. He clearly stated that his exhortations to encouragement were not based on “deceit” (KJV) or “impure motives” (NIV). He could be bold in encouraging the believers at Thessalonica because he knew that it was about them and not about him.

A third reason for Paul’s boldness was the genuine concern that he had for his fellow believers. Paul spoke of being “gentle” among them and about “cherishing” (KJV) or “caring” (NIV) for them. When we become truly concerned about the spiritual welfare of others, we will become courageous in speaking to them about Christ.

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Remember that one of results of the filling of the Holy Spirit was that the believers began to speak the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). Realize that, as believers, we sometimes serve in a hostile environment. Ask God to give you the courage to be a witness for him. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy: It takes courage to be an encourager.


Courage and Christian CharacterCourage is to be a part of our Christian character. In verse 10, Paul spoke of how he had “behaved” (KJV) or how “we were” (NIV) while he was among them. He stated that he and his ministry partners had been “blameless” (NIV) in the way that they had ministered to them. His Christian character would not allow him to minister in any other way or for any selfish reason. The question is: “How do we develop our Christian character?” God has provided the answer in the verses that we have read this morning. First, Christian character comes from reading and believing God’s Word. The Thessalonians had accepted the Bible as being the Word of God and not just some words written by men (v. 13) and that Word was “at work” (NIV) within them.

Second, the Thessalonians were taught to anticipate opposition. Verse 14 reveals that these believers were already beginning to suffer some of the same kind of persecution that the church in Jerusalem had suffered. Verses 15 and 16 clearly spell out the severity of the opposition that these believers could expect.

Last, the church was told that they could anticipate great rewards for their suffering and service to Christ. Paul believed that the greatest hope and joy that a believer could experience was to lead other people to Christ and to teach them to do the same thing.


Display Christian character in your daily life. Check your motives for service and seek to be unselfish in what you do for the Lord. Live in a way that you will result in spiritual rewards in heaven. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-One: God’s Word is the source for our Christian character and courage.

Eve Evening Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Problems and Prayers

Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible teaches that problems are good for us! Paul spoke of “afflictions” (KJV) or “trials” (NIV) as if they were something that were “appointed” (KJV) or “destined” (NIV) for all believers who decided to exercise their Christian character and become witnesses and encouragers to others. What does God want us to understand about problems? First, he wants us to realize that problems should draw us closer to him (vs. 6-8). He also wanted them (and us) to realize that problems help believers to learn how to stand “fast” (KJV) or “firm” (NIV) in the Lord (v.9). It is wise for believers to see problems as divine appointments and not just as disastrous accidents. God can use problems to help us in many ways. One of the ways that problems can help us is to teach us about the importance of prayer. In verses 10-13 Paul spoke of praying frequently (“night and day”), earnestly (“exceedingly – KJV), and specifically. Take a moment and review

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some of the specific things that Paul asked of God in his prayers for the believers at Thessalonica. He asked God to allow him to see them again (v. 10); that they might increase in their love for one another (v. 12); and that they might be firmly established in the Lord and serve him until his return.


Pray about your problems and thank God for them! Pray specifically for someone else today and let them know that you have. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Two: Problems should draw us closer to God and help make our faith stronger.


PurityAs believers, the Thessalonians had “received” (KJV) or were “instructed” (NIV) on how to live in ways that were pleasing to God. The desire to live for God should become the first priority of every believer. Paul specifically encouraged them to “abstain from fornication” (KJV) or “avoid sexual immorality” (NIV). This was not a commandment for “some” but for “every one” (KJV) or “each one” (NIV) of the believers at Thessalonica. It remains the case for each and every believer today. They were to learn how to “possess” (KJV) or “control” (NIV) their body in such a way that they could avoid giving in to worldly lusts and selfish pursuits. The world does not teach us to do this. In fact, our society is constantly promoting sexual immorality and promiscuity. To “control” our bodies would require that we, first, learn to control our thoughts. That is why, as believers, their actions were to be based on “honor” and not “passion” or “lust.” God created sex for marriage and there is no justification for sex outside of marriage.

There were some severe consequences for those who chose to violate this command to abstain or avoid sexual impurity. Paul clearly stated that, “The Lord is the avenger,” (KJV) or that, “The Lord will punish men for all such sins” (NIV). Paul reminded these Christians that God had not called them to be unclean or impure, but to live holy lives that bring honor and glory to God (v. 7). Those who “despised” (KJV) or “rejected” (NIV) these instructions were not rejecting Paul, or any other teacher, but God and the Holy Spirit.


Forsake any thought, deed, or relationship that had led, or is leading, you to be impure in your thoughts, words or actions. Pray for strength to live a pure and holy life before God. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Three: Sexual immorality is destructive and always leads to spiritual chastening.

Evening Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – 18

What to Do While You Wait For the RaptureThere are some common sense things that we could be doing while we wait for the rapture. One of them is to allow God to teach us how to live together in brotherly love. In fact, as we draw closer to the Lord’s return and the rapture of the church, we should love our fellow Christians more than ever before. Our love should be growing as we anticipate the Lord’s return. Another thing that we should be doing as we wait for the rapture is to be growing in our knowledge of God’s Word and its promises. In verses 13-17 Paul specifically discusses the

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promise of the resurrection of our bodies and the reunion with those who have gone to heaven before us. What a blessed day it will be when we hear that trumpet sound and see the Lord descending from heaven with a shout. Whether resurrected or raptured, all of God’s children will be taken from this world to a place where we can be together again. And, most importantly, we will be “with the Lord.” We are to “comfort” (KJV) and “encourage” (NIV) one another with this knowledge. Evening Prayer Emphasis:

Share your faith in the resurrection with someone. Seek a way to bring this blessed promise up in a conversation. Encourage someone who has lost a loved one. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Four: The promise of the Lord’s return and the rapture should be a source of comfort and encouragement to God’s people.

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Preparing For Christ’s ReturnNo matter what you may hear from others, God clearly teaches that the “Day of the Lord” will come “like a thief in the night” or at a time when we might least expect it. Paul realized that it was senseless to write to this church about “times and dates” (NIV) because these folks had already been taught that the Lord’s return would only be announced by the trumpet and shout that will sound at the exact moment of his return. Outside of the Word of God’s promises, there will be no other warning concerning this event. Many people were “saying” many things about the Lord’s return, so Paul wanted all Christians live in such a way that they would not be “overtaken” (KJV) or “surprised” (NIV).

As Christians, we should be expecting the Lord’s return (vs. 4-5). We are not living in darkness. It is no secret to us that the Lord has promised to return to this earth to take his own to be with him. Because of our knowledge of the Lord’s return, we should “watch” (KJV) or be “alert” (NIV) and prepared for this event. This language implies that we should be like guards on sentry duty who refuse to fall asleep while at their post.

We are to “comfort” (KJV) or “encourage” (NIV) one another just as the believers at Thessalonica were obviously doing (v. 11).


Believe that the Day of the Lord could come at any time and live like you believe it. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Five: The Lord’s soon coming should encourage us to encourage others.


Some Final RequestsAs his letter draws to a close, Paul begins to list some final requests for these believers. Sometimes what is most important to us is found in the last words that we write or say to others. In this case, some of the final things that Paul said to his fellow Christians at Thessalonica were included here with his closing remarks. He urged them to show appreciation to those who labored among them and taught them the Word of God. He desired that they be at peace with one another and that they not allow any division to creep into the church. He urged them to warn the unruly, to comfort those in need of comfort, to support one another, and to exhibit patience in the way that they ministered to one another. Their Christian character was not to be shared with their fellow believers only, but with all people with whom they interacted.

Their lives were to be filled with rejoicing. They were to be praying constantly, showing appreciation to God for everything in life, whether it was perceived to be good or bad. They were never to quench the Spirit of God or to “despise” (KJV) preaching or treat it “with contempt” (NIV). (To make the teaching and preaching of God’s Word second to anything is a terrible sign of spiritual immaturity and disobedience.)

They were to do these things with the full awareness that God is faithful to bless his children. This letter was to be read by all Christians – and that is why we have read it now. Paul’s final admonition was that, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Amen!


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Commit to reading God’s Word and ask God to make his presence real and powerful in your life. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Six: It takes God’s grace for believers to live for God’s glory.

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Paul & SilasJust like the first letter to the church at Thessalonica, this second letter identifies the senders to be Paul, “Silvanus” (KJV) or “Silas” (NIV), and Timothy. Silas is first introduced to us in Acts 15:22 where he was referred to as a “chief” (KJV) or “leader” (NIV) among those in the early church at Jerusalem. He was also considered a prophet (Acts 15:32) and he was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37). All of these things made this man a wise choice as a replacement for Barnabas as Paul’s ministry partner. He, along with Timothy, had just returned from delivering the first letter to this church and had reported to Paul that there were some questions about some of the issues addressed in the first letter. This second letter was written as a follow-up to the first.

First, Paul expressed his thanksgiving for these Christians and their growing faith and for the love that they had for one another. He stated that he and his ministry partners had praised them to other churches because of their patience and faith and for the way that they had endured trials and persecution. In verses 5-10 Paul encourages these believers to continue to persevere.

He closes his opening remarks with a reminder that he is praying for them and asking God to empower them to do his work and that God would be glorified in all that they did.


Pray and ask God to bless the ministers and the ministries of your church and churches everywhere. Encourage someone who has partnered with you in ministry and express your appreciation to them for their service to the Lord. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Seven: Always express appreciation to, and for, your fellow workers in the Lord.


Correcting Some MisconceptionsThis is a very important chapter in this letter and a very important chapter in the New Testament. While in Thessalonica, Paul had instructed the church from the Old Testament concerning the day of the Lord. The Old Testament presents this as a time when God will bring judgment upon unbelievers and blessings on believers. Most believe that this period will begin immediately after the rapture and will include the Tribulation period and the Millennium. In his first letter, Paul had mentioned the day of the Lord coming suddenly, and without forewarning. Because of the persecutions they were facing, some of these young believers thought that they had possibly missed the rapture and were now under judgment. Paul wrote to ease their minds and to reassure them that, although the day of the Lord was “at hand” (KJV) or “had already come” (NIV). He encouraged them to not be deceived by anyone who was teaching such things and further explained some of the things that had to happen prior to the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the rapture of the church. He assured them that they had not missed the rapture and that the trials and persecutions that they were experiencing were not a part of the final judgment of God.


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Prepare yourself to give valid, biblical answers to the questions that people have about end times. Provide biblical answers from God’s Word and encourage your friends and family to accept Christ now. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Eight: What the Bible teaches about the last days can be easily misunderstood-even by God’s people.

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Morning Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 3:5

Thanksgiving and PrayerPaul’s teachings on the day of the Lord (2:1-12) are now followed by some teaching on how to live for Christ in our current society. The Thessalonians were a source of great joy to Paul and his partners, and he did not hesitate to tell them that. He stated that he felt that it was he was “bound” (KJV) or that he “ought” (NIV) to be thanking God for them. He encouraged them to stand “fast” (KJV) or “firm” (NIV) in the Lord, holding on to the things that they had been taught. He prayed that the Lord would comfort them and “establish” (KJV) or “strengthen” (NIV) them in every good work.

Then, he asked these believers to pray for him and his partners, asking God to give them the freedom to continue preaching and that others would respond to the gospel just as the people of Thessalonica had. He also asked them to pray that they would be delivered from those who would oppose the preaching of the gospel.

He expressed his appreciation for the way that they had responded to his teachings in the past as well as his confidence that they would continue to be obedient to the Lord.

Last, he prayed that the Lord would direct their hearts into the love of God and give them the patience that it takes to wait for something as exciting as the Lord’s return and heaven.


Allow God to direct your heart to the point that his wonderful love will be expressed in your own life. Pray for someone in ministry today. Be careful to be obedient to all that God commands you. Kingdom Policy Number Seventy-Nine: Christians should be faithful to pray for one another.


“Be Not Weary”Paul, once again, is closing a letter and packing the final page with vital requests and information. He commands the believers at Thessalonica to “withdraw themselves” (KJV) or to “keep away” (NIV) from every brother that walked disorderly. The term “brother” causes us to understand that Paul was referring to believers who were not living for the Lord or in accordance with biblical teaching.

He also told them that the church was not responsible to give financial assistance to those who could work but would not work. Those who could work, but wouldn’t, should be encouraged to return to the work force and work so that they could provide for themselves.

Then Paul encouraged these believers to “be not weary in well doing” (KJV) or “never tire of doing what is right” (NIV). Notice that he told them not to tire “of” doing what it right. We do, sometimes, grow tired “from” doing what is right and good for God and our fellow man, but we should never grow tired “of” it.

Those who would not heed these warnings and teachings were to be avoided. However, they were not to be treated as an enemy but they should be “admonished” (KJV) or “warned” (NIV) as a sinning brother or sister.


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Encourage your fellow believers on a regular basis and never grow weary of doing so. Kingdom Policy Number Eighty: Never grow weary of helping others to never grow weary of helping others!

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